Big Ten's weak slate this week raises questions about nonconference scheduling strategies

The Big Ten’s lackluster schedule this week exemplifies a problem facing the conference: Not enough teams are testing themselves outside of league play.

The Big Ten prides itself on having a nine-game conference schedule, which traditionally had set it apart from the Southeastern Conference. Yet the SEC will move to a nine-game league schedule starting in 2026 while continuing to require its league members to play at least one nonconference game against a Power Four school or Notre Dame, something the Big Ten doesn’t mandate.